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Talked to an old timer at the studio about using a wet newspaper pad
I was at the studio in Austin last week and this guy, must have been in his 70s, saw me struggling to shape a gather. He said, 'Kid, you're holding that pad like it's a hot potato. You gotta soak it, wring it out, and then really press it into the glass, like you mean it.' I always thought a damp pad was enough, but he showed me how a properly soaked one gives you way more control and a smoother shape. He let me try his, and the difference on a simple 6-inch vase was huge. I've been doing it his way for three days now and my forms are way more even. Anyone else have a simple tool trick that changed your work?
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jessefoster5mo ago
Old guys know their stuff. That wet pad trick works because it steams on contact, gives you a second to shape it. Ruby's just doing it wrong if she's getting a mess.
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sean_martin444mo ago
and that's exactly the thing, @jessefoster is spot on about the steam. i remember helping my dad lay carpet one time, he used a wet towel on the seams too. it worked great until he sneezed and the whole thing slid three inches to the left. we just laughed it off and started over. Ruby might be using too much water or pressing too hard, because a little bit of moisture really does help you get that tight stretch without tearing it. your mileage may vary on the technique, but i've seen it work more often than not.
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